Planning your 2018 vacation and starting to think about just going back to that place you went last year with the OK-ish beach and the mediocre cocktails?
C'mon, you know you can do better.
Here are the best places to visit in 2018
Check them out below and find the inspiration for your next adventure.

1.Malta
The island located between Italy and Tunisia lies at a crossroads of culture, reflecting Mediterranean influences from Greece to the Middle East. The city of Valletta has been named Europe's Capital of Culture of 2018.

2.Serbia
It's not the most visited of the countries of the former Yugoslavia but Serbia is finally emerging as a European destination. Serbia's Tara National Park has forested hills overlooking deep gorges.

2. Cape Verde Islands
The Cape Verde islands are situated off the west coast of Africa. Known for their music, culture and gorgeous beaches, they also have plenty of historical sites to explore, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha, a 15th-century Portuguese outpost.

4.Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia:
Cambodia's largest national park is home to varied ecosystems, from dense evergreen forest to grasslands and spectacular coast. Coming in 2018, Shinta Mani Wild -- The Bensley Collection is slated to open in a 400-acre river valley just southeast of Botum Sakor.

5.Nevis
Broadway buffs will get a particular kick out of visiting Alexander Hamilton's birth country of Nevis -- which is not as well known as its twin, St. Kitts. Even those who haven't seen Lin Manuel Miranda's hit musical will find plenty to enjoy in its stunning white beaches and palm trees.

6:Banff, Canada:
Banff, located in Alberta in the Canadian Rockies, is the country's oldest national park. Winter sports, including skiing and snow-shoeing, are regularly backdropped by the Northern Lights.

7.Nagano, Japan:
Home to soba noodles and hot springs, Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics but is only now emerging as an international travel destination. Many new hotels are opening, including KAI Alps, pictured, a luxury inn-style Ryokan near the famed Omachi Hot Springs in northern Nagano.

8. Puebla, Mexico:
Puebla is Mexico's fourth largest city, known for its great food culture and architectural delights. A few key new hotel openings will bring international tourists to this charming, underrated city in coming months.

9.Essaouira, Morocco:
The old port town of Essaouira, overlooking the Atlantic coast, is known for its laid-back vibe and the inshore winds that make it great for surfing.

10.Perth, Australia:
Somewhat overlooked, Western Australia's Perth is now attracting attention. In addition to great food and pristine beaches, the Swan Valley wine region is only 30 minutes away.

11.Rwanda:
This central African country has distanced itself from its troubled past and is now on the tourist map thanks to its spectacular volcanic landscapes, wildlife and national parks.

12.Crete, Greece:
Blessed with sunshine, cultural history and archaeological treasures, Crete also has picturesque cities like Rethymno.

13. Lisbon, Portugal:
The capital of Portugal is home to cobbled streets, red roofs and pastel-colored houses. In 2018, the city will host the well-known, kitschy Eurovision Song contest for the first time.

14.Cajamarca, Peru:
The Peruvian city of Cajamarca is a cultural hotspot known for its baroque churches, including Belen -- pictured here -- plus natural hot springs and fantastic hikes.

15.Yunnan, China:
From snowy mountains to subtropical rainforest, Yunnan has a spectacular range of scenery. Towns include 800-plus-years-old Lijiang, whose ancient architecture has been lovingly protected.

16.Asheville, North Carolina:
This Western North Carolina mountain town has a growing brewery culture, world-class art and fantastic food on offer.

17.New Orleans:
2018 marks the tricentennial of this Louisiana city -- the perfect year to experience February's Mardi Gras celebrations or the French Quarter Festival in April. Come for the party, stay for the food and atmosphere.

18.PyeongChang, South Korea:
South Korea doesn't yet have a global reputation as a skiing destination but this should change in Feburary 2018, when the Winter Olympic Games will take place in the South Korean mountain region of PyeongChang.


SOURCE: CNN TRAVEL
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